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Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

• disquisition
• examination
• exploration
• inquisition
• investigation
• delve (into)
• inquire (into)
• investigate
• look (into)

Examples of research in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French recerche , from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier , from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing research

• marketing research
• market research
• operations research
• oppo research

research and development

• research park
• translational research

Dictionary Entries Near research

Cite this entry.

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of research.

Kids Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on research

Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of research for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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Conjugation verb research

Model : wish

Auxiliary : have , be

Other forms: research oneself / not research

Contractions

• you research
• he/she/it researches
• we research
• they research
• I researched
• you researched
• he/she/it researched
• we researched
• they researched

Present continuous

• I am researching
• you are researching
• he/she/it is researching
• we are researching
• they are researching

Present perfect

• I have researched
• you have researched
• he/she/it has researched
• we have researched
• they have researched
• I will research
• you will research
• he/she/it will research
• we will research
• they will research

Future perfect

• I will have researched
• you will have researched
• he/she/it will have researched
• we will have researched
• they will have researched

Past continous

• I was researching
• you were researching
• he/she/it was researching
• we were researching
• they were researching

Past perfect

• I had researched
• you had researched
• he/she/it had researched
• we had researched
• they had researched

Future continuous

• I will be researching
• you will be researching
• he/she/it will be researching
• we will be researching
• they will be researching

Present perfect continuous

• I have been researching
• you have been researching
• he/she/it has been researching
• we have been researching
• they have been researching

Past perfect continuous

• I had been researching
• you had been researching
• he/she/it had been researching
• we had been researching
• they had been researching

Future perfect continuous

• I will have been researching
• you will have been researching
• he/she/it will have been researching
• we will have been researching
• they will have been researching
• let's research
• researching
• to research

Perfect participle

• having researched

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research verb 1

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What does the verb research mean?

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb research , two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the verb research ?

How is the verb research pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the verb research come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the verb research is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for research is from 1588, in the writing of John Harvey, astrologer.

It is also recorded as a noun from the late 1500s.

research is formed within English, by derivation; modelled on a French lexical item.

Etymons: re- prefix , search v.

Nearby entries

• resculpting, n. 1940–
• rescussee, n. 1652–1823
• rescusser, n. 1632–1704
• rese, n. Old English–1600
• rese, v.¹ Old English–1450
• rese, v.² Old English–1582
• reseal, v. 1624–
• resealable, adj. 1926–
• research, n.¹ 1577–
• re-search, n.² 1605–
• research, v.¹ 1588–
• re-search, v.² 1708–
• researchable, adj. 1927–
• research and development, n. 1892–
• researched, adj. 1636–
• researcher, n. 1615–
• researchful, adj. a1834–
• research hospital, n. 1900–
• researching, n. 1611–
• researching, adj. a1639–
• researchist, n. 1901–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for research, v.¹.

research, v.¹ was revised in March 2010.

research, v.¹ was last modified in March 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into research, v.¹ in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1906)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View research, v.¹ in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for research, v.¹

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for research, v.¹, browse entry.

Research Past Tense

researched past tense of research is researched.

Research verb forms

Conjugation of research.

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PastTenses is a database of English verbs. One can check verbs forms in different tenses. Use our search box to check present tense, present participle tense, past tense and past participle tense of desired verb.

The Significance of Research Verbs: Elevating Academic Writing

Want to master the art of writing? Start with research verbs! Learn how to make your writing more informative & interesting with our guide.

Despite their unassuming looks, research verbs carry substantial weight in academic writing. The building blocks of argument development, method explanation, and evidence presentation are research verbs. Researchers can communicate their findings clearly and demonstrate the rigor and trustworthiness of their research by choosing the appropriate research verbs. Furthermore, by clarifying the author’s thought process and assisting in comprehension, these verbs can aid readers in navigating the complexity of academic literature. 

Although they are of remarkable significance, research verbs are frequently misused, despite the fact that they are extremely important in determining the impact and clarity of academic writing. This article by Mind the Graph explores the essential significance of using the right research verbs to improve the quality and effectiveness of academic discourse.

What are Research Verbs?

Research verbs are a specific and essential category of words utilized in academic writing to convey the actions, procedures, and findings of research. They play a significant role in enhancing the clarity, precision, and effectiveness of researchers’ writing, enabling them to express their intentions with greater impact.

Within academic writing, research verbs cover a broad spectrum of actions and concepts associated with research. They encompass verbs used to describe research methods (e.g., investigate, analyze, experiment), present research findings (e.g., demonstrate, reveal, illustrate), and discuss implications and conclusions (e.g., suggest, propose, validate).

The careful selection of research verbs holds utmost importance as it directly influences the overall tone, rigor, and credibility of academic writing. By choosing the most fitting research verbs, researchers can ensure their writing is precise, clear, and accurate, allowing them to effectively communicate their research to their intended audience.

In addition to research verbs, selecting the right words throughout the academic writing process is crucial. It contributes to the attainment of the aforementioned goals of precision, clarity, and accuracy. To gain deeper insights into the importance of word choice in academic writing, read the article titled “ The Importance of Word Choice with Examples. ” This article offers valuable perspectives and practical examples that can further enhance your understanding of the significance of word choice in academic writing.

Types of Research Verbs

There are various types of research verbs that are commonly used in academic writing. These verbs can be categorized based on their specific functions and the stages of the research process they represent. 

Verbs for Analyzing Data

To examine, understand, and gain significant insights from research findings, particular verbs are used when analyzing data. These verbs aid in the exploration of connections, the discovery of patterns, and the drawing of conclusions based on the available facts:

• Analyze: Systematically examine data to find patterns or connections.
• Interpret: Describe the relevance of the data or outcomes and their meaning.
• Compare: Show how several data sets or variables differ from one another.
• Correlate: Examine the connection or relationship between variables.
• Calculate: Perform calculations on data using math or statistics.

Verbs for Defining Processes 

Defining research processes entails providing specifics on the steps, procedures, and methods used throughout the study. Verbs in this category facilitate a clear and accurate explanation of how the research was conducted:

• Outline: Provide a general overview or structure of a research process.
• Detail: Elaborate on the specific steps or procedures undertaken in the research.
• Explain: Clarify the rationale or logic behind a particular research process.
• Define: Clearly state and describe key concepts, variables, or terms.
• Illustrate: Use examples or visuals to demonstrate a research process.

Verbs for Summarizing Results 

After the research has been concluded, researchers provide a succinct summary of their results. These verbs help researchers highlight key findings, give an overview of the findings, and draw conclusions from the data:

• Summarize: Provide a concise overview or brief account of research findings.
• Highlight: Draw attention to the key or significant results.
• Demonstrate: Present evidence or data that supports a particular finding.
• Conclude: Formulate a generalization or inference based on the results.
• Validate: Confirm or corroborate the findings through additional evidence or analysis.

Verbs for Describing Literature Review

During the literature review phase, researchers examine existing scholarly works and relevant studies. Verbs in this category help researchers express their evaluation, synthesis, and analysis of the literature. Such verbs include, for instance:

• Critique: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing literature on a topic.
• Summarize: Provide a brief overview of the key findings and conclusions of existing literature on a topic.
• Compare: Identify similarities and differences between the findings and conclusions of multiple studies on a topic.
• Synthesize: Combine the findings and conclusions of multiple studies on a topic to identify broader trends or themes.
• Evaluate: Assess the quality and validity of existing literature on a topic.

Verbs for Speculating and Hypothesizing

Exploring possible connections or explaining occurrences requires speculation and the formulation of hypotheses. These verbs allow researchers to present their speculations, assumptions, or proposed hypothesis:

• Propose: Put forward an idea or hypothesis for further study or investigation.
• Speculate: Offer a possible explanation or theory for a phenomenon or observation.
• Predict: Use existing data or theories to make a forecast about future events or outcomes.
• Hypothesize: Formulate a testable explanation or hypothesis for a phenomenon or observation.
• Suggest: Offer a potential explanation or interpretation for a result or finding.

Verbs for Discussing Limitations and Future Directions

Acknowledging the limitations of the research and suggesting future directions is important for demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the field. Verbs in this category help researchers address the constraints of their study and provide insights for future research:

• Limit: Identify the limitations or weaknesses of a study or analysis.
• Propose: Suggest potential solutions or avenues for further research to address limitations or weaknesses.
• Discuss: Analyze and reflect on the implications of limitations or weaknesses for the broader field or research area.
• Address: Develop a plan or strategy for addressing limitations or weaknesses in future research.
• Acknowledge: Recognize and address potential biases or limitations in a study or analysis.

Tips for Using Research Verbs

These tips will help you make the most of research verbs, ensuring that your language is active, precise, and consistent. By incorporating these strategies, you can elevate the quality of your writing and effectively communicate your research findings to your readers.

Using Active Language

• Use active voice: Active voice makes your writing more dynamic and engaging. It also clearly identifies the doer of the action. For example, instead of saying “The data were analyzed,” say “We analyzed the data.”
• Highlight the subject: Ensure that the subject of the sentence is the main focus and performs the action. This brings clarity and emphasizes responsibility.

Choosing Precise Verbs

• Be specific: Select verbs that precisely convey the action you want to describe. Avoid generic verbs like “do” or “make.” Instead, use verbs that accurately depict the research process or findings. For example, use “investigate,” “analyze,” or “demonstrate.”
• Utilize a thesaurus: Expand your vocabulary and find alternative verbs that convey the exact meaning you intend. A thesaurus can help you discover more precise and varied verbs.

Maintaining Consistency

• Stay consistent in verb tense: Choose a verb tense and maintain it consistently throughout your writing. This ensures coherence and clarity.
• Establish a style guide: Follow a specific style guide, such as APA or MLA, to maintain consistency in the use of research verbs and other writing conventions.

Resources to Help You Use Research Verbs

Take into consideration the following resources to improve your use of research verbs:

• Writing Manuals and Guides: For reliable information on research verbs and academic writing, consult guides such as  “The Craft of Research” or “The Elements of Style.”
• Academic Writing Workshops: Attend webinars or workshops on academic writing that address subjects like research verbs and enhancing scholarly writing.
• Online Writing Communities: Participate in online writing communities where researchers exchange materials and discuss writing techniques. 
• Language and Writing Apps: Use grammar checker tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid for grammar and style suggestions.

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Here are the past tense forms of the verb research

👉 Forms of verb research in future and past simple and past participle. ❓ What is the past tense of research.

Research: Past, Present, and Participle Forms

What are the 2nd and 3rd forms of the verb research.

🎓 What are the past simple, future simple, present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect forms of the base form (infinitive) ' research '? 👉 It's quite simple -->

Learn the three forms of the English verb 'research'

• the first form (V1) is 'research' used in present simple and future simple tenses.
• the second form (V2) is 'Researched' used in past simple tense.
• the third form (V3) is 'Researched' used in present perfect and past perfect tenses.

What are the past tense and past participle of research?

What is the past tense of research.

The past tense of the verb "research" is "Researched", and the past participle is "Researched".

Verb Tenses

Past simple — research in past simple Researched (V2) . Future simple — research in future simple is research (will + V1) . Present Perfect — research in present perfect tense is Researched (have/has + V3) . Past Perfect — research in past perfect tense is Researched (had + V3) .

research regular or irregular verb?

👉 Is 'research' a regular or irregular verb? The verb 'research' is regular verb .

Examples of Verb research in Sentences

•   The artefact have not been fully researched (Present Perfect)
•   Studying it provides an excellent opportunity to research the nature of this army and this state, the likes of which never existed. (Present Simple)
•   Recognizing religion as an alienation of self-consciousness, he also began to research the causes of religion in terms of the world, nature, and man. (Past Simple)
•   At present, scientists continue to research the mechanisms of the subconscious mind. (Present Simple)
•   In this book we will research the problems of human consciousness. (Future Simple)
•   I've been researching the generational problem for almost twenty years, publishing the results, and presenting them to company representatives. (Present Perfect Continuous)
•   He also spent one summer at the Treasury Department, where he researched macroeconomics. (Past Simple)
•   As a rule, the existence of international law in antiquity was recognized by those scholars who researched the history of that period specifically. (Past Simple)
•   In any case, the man did not seek to put them together; rather, he researched from various sources bit by bit. (Past Simple)
•   To do this, they constantly research information about competitors' prices and process it along with data about current marketing promotions. (Present Simple)

Along with research, words are popular panic and lay down .

Verbs by letter: r , d , u , c , m , p , b , w , h , a , e , g , s , q , j , l , t , f , o , n , k , i , v , y , z .

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• 904 Regular verbs
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Verb Table for research

• Simple tenses
• Continuous tenses

Conditional

Simple tenses  •  continuous tenses  •  conditional  •  imperative  •  impersonal, present perfect, past perfect, will -future, going to -future, future perfect, conditional past, past participle, browse the conjugations (verb tables), look up "research" in other languages, links to further information.

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Verb "research"

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Conjugation

Simple tense.

Present Simple

• you research
• he, she researches
• we research
• they research

Past Simple

• I researched
• you researched
• he, she researched
• we researched
• they researched

Future Simple

• I will research
• you will research
• he, she will research
• we will research
• they will research

Continuous Tense

Present Simple Continuous

• I am researching
• you are researching
• he, she is researching
• we are researching
• they are researching

Past Simple Continuous

• I was researching
• you were researching
• he, she was researching
• we were researching
• they were researching

Future Simple Continuous

• I will be researching
• you will be researching
• he, she will be researching
• we will be researching
• they will be researching

Perfect Tense

Present Perfect

• I have researched
• you have researched
• he, she has researched
• we have researched
• they have researched

Past Perfect

• I had researched
• you had researched
• he, she had researched
• we had researched
• they had researched

Future Perfect

• I will have researched
• you will have researched
• he, she will have researched
• we will have researched
• they will have researched

Perfect Continuous Tense

Present Perfect Continuous

• I have been researching
• you have been researching
• he, she has been researching
• we have been researching
• they have been researching

Past Perfect Continuous

• I had been researching
• you had been researching
• he, she had been researching
• we had been researching
• they had been researching

Future Perfect Continuous

• I will have been researching
• you will have been researching
• he, she will have been researching
• we will have been researching
• they will have been researching

Conditional

• I would research
• you would research
• he, she would research
• we would research
• they would research
• I would have researched
• you would have researched
• he, she would have researched
• we would have researched
• they would have researched

Present Continuous

• I would be researching
• you would be researching
• he, she would be researching
• we would be researching
• they would be researching

Perfect Continuous

• I would have been researching
• you would have been researching
• he, she would have been researching
• we would have been researching
• they would have been researching
• we Let's research

Other verbs

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How to conjugate "to research" in English?

English "to research" conjugation.

• to research

Full conjugation of "to research"

Translations for "to research", present continuous, simple past, past continuous, present perfect, present perfect continuous, past perfect, past perfect continuous, future continuous, future perfect, future perfect continuous, conditional, conditional present, conditional present progressive, conditional perfect, conditional perfect progressive, subjunctive, present subjunctive, past subjunctive, past perfect subjunctive, present participle, past participle.

Translations for "to research" in our English dictionaries

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Definition of 'research'

research in British English

Research in american english, examples of 'research' in a sentence research, cobuild collocations research, trends of research.

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• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Synonyms
• 1.3.2 Hyponyms
• 1.3.3 Derived terms
• 1.3.4 Related terms
• 1.3.5 Translations
• 1.4.1 Translations
• 1.5 References
• 1.6 Anagrams
• 2.1 Etymology
• 2.2 Pronunciation
• 2.3.1 Usage notes
• 2.3.2 Synonyms
• 3.1 Etymology
• 3.2.1 Declension
• 3.2.2 Related terms
• 3.3 See also
• 3.4 References

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ].

Early Modern French rechercher ( “ to examine closely ” ) , from Old French recerchier ( “ to seek, to look for ” ) , by surface analysis , re- +‎ search .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• ( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : ( traditional ) /ɹɪˈsɜːt͡ʃ/ , ( newer ) /ˈɹiː.sɜːt͡ʃ/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)tʃ

Noun [ edit ]

research ( countable and uncountable , plural researches )

• 2012 January, Philip E. Mirowski, “Harms to Health from the Pursuit of Profits”, in American Scientist ‎ [1] , volume 100 , number 1, archived from the original on 4 April 2012 , page 87 : In an era when political leaders promise deliverance from decline through America’s purported preeminence in scientific research , the news that science is in deep trouble in the United States has been as unwelcome as a diagnosis of leukemia following the loss of health insurance.
• 1849–1861 , Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter 1, in The History of England from the Accession of James the Second , volumes (please specify |volume=I to V) , London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans , →OCLC : The dearest interests of parties have frequently been staked on the results of the researches of antiquaries.
• 1747 , The Scots magazine , volume 9, page 567 : The first step I took in this so necessary a research , was to examine the motives, the justice, the necessity and expediency of the revolution [ … ]
• 1883 December, “Zoology. A. General, including Embryology and Histology of the Vertebrata. Development of Muscle-fibres and their Union with Nerves”, in Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society , volume 3, number 6, page 821 : Although very numerous researches have been made on the differentiation of striped muscles, and on the termination of their motor nerve-fibres, yet the multifarious observations have often been too incomplete to lead to any but conflicting and unsatisfactory theories.

Synonyms [ edit ]

• investigation
• exploration
• examination

Hyponyms [ edit ]

• action research
• advocacy research
• basic research
• bioresearch
• empirical research
• historical research
• marketing research
• market research
• operational research
• operations research
• oppo research
• opposition research
• primary research
• qualitative research
• quantitative research
• scientific research
• secondary research
• space research
• structural research
• unobtrusive research

Derived terms [ edit ]

• antiresearch
• bioresearcher
• consumer research
• coresearcher
• customer research
• dual-use research of concern
• eco-research
• gain-of-function research
• nonresearch
• nonresearched
• nonresearcher
• nonresearching
• overresearched
• proresearch
• researchability
• researchable
• research assistant
• research chemical
• researchful
• researchist
• research professor
• underresearched
• unresearchability
• unresearchable
• unresearched

Related terms [ edit ]

• research octane number
• research paper

Translations [ edit ]

Verb [ edit ].

research ( third-person singular simple present researches , present participle researching , simple past and past participle researched )

• ( transitive ) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
• ( intransitive ) To make an extensive investigation into.
• ( transitive ) To search again.

References [ edit ]

• “research”, in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language , 4th edition, Boston, Mass.: Houghton Mifflin , 2000 , →ISBN .
• “ research ”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged , Dictionary.com, LLC , 1995–present.
• " research " in WordNet 2.0 , Princeton University, 2003.

Anagrams [ edit ]

• reachers , searcher

Dutch [ edit ]

From English research , from early Modern French rechercher ( “ to examine closely ” ) , from Old French recerchier ( “ to seek, to look for ” ) . Forms a doublet with Dutch recherche , which is a direct borrowing from French.

research   f ( uncountable , diminutive researchje   n )

Usage notes [ edit ]

The plural is very rare or non-existent.

• onderzoek , speurwerk , vorsing , navorsing

Swedish [ edit ]

Unadapted borrowing from English research . First attested in the 1960s. [1]

research   c ( uncountable )

• searching in archives for background information related to someone or something specific (often for newspapers, radio, or TV).

Declension [ edit ]

• researcha ( “ perform archival research ” )
• researcher ( “ archival researcher ” )

See also [ edit ]

• efterforska ( “ investigate; research ” )
• forska ( “ research ” )
• ^ research in Svensk ordbok ( SO )
• research in Svenska Akademiens ordlista ( SAOL )

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Learn and Grow

Research or Researches: Which is Correct? Simple English Explanations

By Caitriona Maria

October 20, 2021

Research or researches ? Which one is correct?!

There seems to be a lot of misinformation about this on the web, as most people (including native English speakers) get this one wrong!

We can use “research” as a noun or verb . Researches can be the third person singular of the verb “research.” Researches can also be used as a plural noun for “research,” but it is rarely used.

Meaning of Research (Verb and Noun)

By definition, “ research” (verb form) means to investigate or search carefully. It is typically related to studious inquiries or examinations.

Here are some examples with the verb “research”:

• “He researched the history of the building.”
• “She is researching how many people speak a particular language.”
• “I need to research this.”
• “We have been researching a new method.”
• “They are researching different options for the company.”
• “I researched every single product before I made my purchase.”
• You should research the pros and cons before you make a decision .
• “He is researching his family tree.”
• She has been researching her options for college.

When used as a noun, the word “research” typically refers to the activity of investigating or examining a subject in-depth with the aim of discovering new facts or information.

It can also refer to the resulting product of this activity.

Here are some examples with the noun “research”:

• “The scientists conducted research on the properties of a new material.”
• “She published her first paper on the results of her research.”
• If you want to write a paper on the dangers of smoking, you will need to do some research on the topic.
• “The research was published in a leading journal.”
• “They are funding market research.”
• “This is a new area of research for me.”
• “I need to do some research on this subject.”
• “Can you please send me your latest research?”

Research or researches?

• Research (singular noun)
• Researches (plural noun)

In a nutshell, we use research as a singular noun and researches as a plural noun, but it is very rare to say the term researches.

It is preferred to say “pieces of research,” “research studies” or “research projects” when talking about more than one.

Researches can also be used as a verb for the third person singular in the simple present tense. For example, “he researches on the internet for his school project.”

Research (simple present tense):

• I research,
• you research,
• he researches,
• she researches,
• it researches,
• we research,
• they research.

Research as a Noun

Research can be a countable and uncountable noun.

As a noun, “research” is usually used as uncountable. For example, we could say, “the research is able to determine the demand for health drinks.”

The plural countable noun researches is rarely used. It is used to distinguish between one or more sets of research.

For example, we could say “research conducted at Trinity College and University College Dublin” (we don’t know if this is a joint research project or a separate research project in both colleges).

Or we could say “researches conducted at Trinity College and University College Dublin” (separate research projects carried out at the colleges).

Is it correct to say researches ?

As you can see from our examples, it is correct to say researches.

You must be warned, however, that while we can use researches as a plural countable noun, most English speakers have never heard this and may think this is incorrect.

Native English speakers prefer to say “some research,” “research studies,” or “research projects” rather than researches nowadays.

Researches as a term is seen as archaic and old-fashioned. Therefore, it is rarely, if ever used.

Can we say a research ?

While “research” can be used as a countable and uncountable noun, it is never correct to say “a research.” However, we can say “a research student,” “much research,” or “some research.”

To make research or to do research?

We never say “make research.” Instead, you can say, “do research,” “conduct research,” “perform research,” or “carry out research.”

When do we say researches?

When using “research” as the verb, we often say researches.

It is much more common to use researches in the third person simple present (he/she/it).

For example, we could say, “he researches for his project in the library.”

Researches can also be used as a noun, as mentioned earlier.

Alternative Ways to Say Researches (noun)

• His researches prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
• His research proves that the disease is a genetic disorder.
• His research studies prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
• His research projects prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
• His pieces of research prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
• His findings prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
• His research results prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.

How do you pronounce research ?

“Research” (verb form) is pronounced as ri-SERCH in American English but may vary across different accents.

“Research” (noun form) is pronounced as REE-serch in American English but may vary across different accents.

Therefore, you may choose to pronounce both the verb and the noun in the same way (REE-serch or ri-SERCH) without causing any confusion.

You may also be interested in: 15 Best Online English Courses Free & Paid (2022)

In Conclusion

Those are the rules for the word research and researches. While researches is a correct word, it is seldom used as a plural noun.

“Research” is mostly used as an uncountable noun or verb.

If you are unsure whether to use research or researches , it is best to use “research” as the noun. This will avoid any confusion and misunderstanding.

Useful Links

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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.

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Thanks for the extensive researches done by you, as we use this term research in our researches extensively!

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[ ri- surch , ree -surch ]

recent research in medicine.

Synonyms: study , scrutiny

• a particular instance or piece of research.

verb (used without object)

• to make researches; investigate carefully.

verb (used with object)

to research a matter thoroughly.

Synonyms: scrutinize , examine , inquire , study

/ ˈriːsɜːtʃ; rɪˈsɜːtʃ /

• systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject
• to carry out investigations into (a subject, problem, etc)

Discover More

Derived forms.

• reˈsearcher , noun
• reˈsearchable , adjective

Other Words From

• re·searcha·ble adjective
• re·searcher re·searchist noun
• prore·search adjective
• under·re·search verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of research 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

The duo spent the first year in research and engaging with farmers.

Dan Finn-Foley, head of energy storage at energy research firm Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, compared Google’s plan to ordering eggs for breakfast.

Users will give Deep Longevity the right to conduct anonymized research using their data as part of the app’s terms and conditions, Zhavoronkov said.

There’s also the Wilhelm Reich Museum, located at “Orgonon” in Rangeley, Maine, which was previously Reich’s estate—where he conducted questionable orgone research in the later years of his career.

When we started doing research on these topics, we were too focused on political institutions.

Have you tried to access the research that your tax dollars finance, almost all of which is kept behind a paywall?

Have a look at this telling research from Pew on blasphemy and apostasy laws around the world.

And Epstein continues to steer money toward universities to advance scientific research.

The research literature, too, asks these questions, and not without reason.

We also have a growing body of biological research showing that fathers, like mothers, are hard-wired to care for children.

We find by research that smoking was the most general mode of using tobacco in England when first introduced.

This class is composed frequently of persons of considerable learning, research and intelligence.

Speaking from recollection, it appears to be a work of some research; but I cannot say how far it is to be relied on.

Thomas Pope Blount died; an eminent English writer and a man of great learning and research.

That was long before invention became a research department full of engineers.

Related Words

• exploration
• investigation

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of research in English

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• He has dedicated his life to scientific research.
• He emphasized that all the people taking part in the research were volunteers .
• The state of Michigan has endowed three institutes to do research for industry .
• I'd like to see the research that these recommendations are founded on.
• It took months of painstaking research to write the book .
• absorptive capacity
• dream something up
• modularization
• nanotechnology
• technologist
• the mother of something idiom
• think outside the box idiom
• think something up
• study What do you plan on studying in college?
• major US She majored in philosophy at Harvard.
• cram She's cramming for her history exam.
• revise UK I'm revising for tomorrow's test.
• review US We're going to review for the test tomorrow night.
• research Scientists are researching possible new treatments for cancer.
• The amount of time and money being spent on researching this disease is pitiful .
• We are researching the reproduction of elephants .
• She researched a wide variety of jobs before deciding on law .
• He researches heart disease .
• The internet has reduced the amount of time it takes to research these subjects .
• adjudication
• analytically
• have the measure of someone/something idiom
• interpretable
• interpretive
• reinspection
• reinterpret
• reinterpretation
• reinvestigate
• reinvestigation

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Related word

Research | intermediate english, research | business english, examples of research, collocations with research.

These are words often used in combination with research .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of research

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise improves the body's ability to use oxygen.

Keeping up appearances (Talking about how things seem)

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Definition of research noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

• formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
• build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
• develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework/an algorithm
• advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
• explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
• make a prediction/an inference
• base a prediction/your calculations on something
• investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
• design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
• do research/an experiment/an analysis
• make observations/calculations
• take/record measurements
• carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
• run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
• repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
• replicate a study/the results/the findings
• observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behavior
• fund/support the research/project/study
• seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
• collect/gather/extract data/information
• yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
• analyze/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
• consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
• fit the data/model
• confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
• prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
• draw/make/reach the same conclusions
• read/review the records/literature
• describe/report an experiment/a study
• present/publish/summarize the results/findings
• present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal

Definitions on the go

Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

Research or Researches? Is Research Plural, Uncountable?

“Research,” as a noun, is a plural and singular word. It doesn’t require the same treatment as other nouns to indicate more than one. This is because you can’t put a number on “research” and have it make sense. However, you can add the –es and have it be structurally correct but incorrect in grammar.

While most nouns do require adding either an –es or an –s to indicate plurality, there is a small list of words that don’t need it. “Research” is one of these and it tends to be one of the more confusing of the bunch. Adding an –es to “Research” means you’re using the word in its form as a verb.

What is an Uncountable Noun?

Whenever you want to indicate a group or collection of something but it doesn’t have a numeric association, you will use an uncountable noun. These are often ideas that are obscure or qualities that are abstract in the physical sense. This means the object in question is either too amorphous or minuscule to count in a definable way.

Such words will always be in the singular form that can also have use in the plural. Aside from “Research,” others include “safety,” “knowledge” and “fear.”

Demonstrating “Research” as an Uncountable Noun

“Research” refers to the organized and methodical examination of documents and source materials. This is to accumulate facts for a new understanding or to help one reach a particular conclusion. Such a concept is erroneous and you can’t put a definite number on it.

• Correct: My research shows that hospitals are the third leading cause of death in the United States.
• Incorrect: My researches show that hospitals are the third leading cause of death in the United States.

In the second example, if you read it aloud it doesn’t sound right. While it is technically correct, it is grammatically incorrect. But, let’s try another example that attempts to quantify “Research” as a number.

• Grammatically Correct: There are five researches available per person.
• Incorrect: There are five research available per person.

In this example, although the “correct” version agrees in number with a plural verb, it’s technically incorrect. The “incorrect” example is wrong in context and number.

“Research,” in general,” is an uncountable noun. You can use it without adding the –es . While the –es is possible, it’s not proper grammatical structure.

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Plural of Research in English Grammar

By: Author Sophie

Posted on Last updated: October 3, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Research is an essential component of the scientific process, providing valuable insights into various fields of study. However, when it comes to referring to multiple research studies, the plural form of the word ‘research’ can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore the different ways to form the plural of research and provide some useful guidelines to help you navigate this grammatical challenge.

Plural of Research

Definition and Plural of Research

When it comes to writing about research, it is important to understand its definition and plural form. Research is a broad term that refers to the systematic investigation and study of a subject in order to establish facts, principles, and theories. It is an essential tool in various fields, including science, medicine, and social sciences, among others.

As for its plural form, research is considered a mass noun, which means that it does not have a specific plural form. However, in some cases, it can be used in its plural form as researches, especially when referring to different types of research or a collection of research studies.

In general, the plural form of research is not commonly used, and it is more appropriate to use the singular form when referring to the overall process of conducting research. However, when discussing specific research studies, it may be necessary to use the plural form to distinguish between different studies.

It is also worth noting that the term research can be used as a verb, meaning to engage in the process of conducting research. In this case, the verb form of research can be inflected to indicate tense and subject-verb agreement, such as researched, researching, and researches.

Overall, understanding the definition and plural form of research is essential for effectively communicating and writing about research studies. While the plural form of research is not commonly used, it may be necessary in certain contexts, and it is important to use it correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Using Research and Plural of Research in Sentences

The term “research” is used to refer to a systematic and scientific investigation of a particular topic or issue. It involves gathering and analyzing data, studying existing literature, and drawing conclusions based on the findings. The term “research” can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the process of conducting research or the results of a research study. As a verb, it refers to the act of conducting research.

Plural of Research: The plural form of “research” can be a bit confusing for some people. In general, the plural of “research” is “researches.” However, this form is not commonly used. Instead, the word “research” is usually used as a collective noun to refer to multiple research studies. For example, you might say, “There have been many research studies conducted on the effects of climate change.”

Example: Here’s an example of using the term “research” and its plural form in a sentence:

“The research conducted by the team of scientists was groundbreaking, and their findings have been published in several research journals. The researches conducted in this field have led to significant advancements in our understanding of the subject.”

To form the plural of “research,” you can add an “-es” to the end of the word, resulting in “researches.” However, it is important to note that this form is not commonly used and may sound awkward in some contexts.

In conclusion, when using “research,” it is important to consider the context of the sentence to determine whether to use the singular or plural form. While “researches” is a valid plural form, it is not commonly used and may sound awkward in some contexts.

Plural Noun Rules for Regular Nouns

When it comes to regular nouns, there are some basic rules that you can follow to form the plural form. Here are some of the most common rules:

Add -s to the End of the Noun

The most common way to form the plural of a regular noun is to add -s to the end of the singular form. For example:

• Book → Books
• Pen → Pens
• Table → Tables

Add -es to the End of the Noun

If the singular noun ends in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, you need to add -es to form the plural. For example:

• Box → Boxes
• Bus → Buses
• Quiz → Quizzes

Change the Ending of the Noun

Some nouns change their ending to form the plural. Here are some examples:

• Man → Men
• Woman → Women
• Child → Children
• Foot → Feet
• Tooth → Teeth

Add -s or -es to Words Ending in -o

For words ending in -o, you can either add -s or -es to form the plural. Here are some examples:

• Potato → Potatoes
• Tomato → Tomatoes
• Radio → Radios

Add -s to Words Ending in -y

For words ending in -y, you need to change the -y to -i and add -es to form the plural. For example:

• Baby → Babies
• City → Cities
• Party → Parties

Add -s to Words Ending in a Vowel and -y

For words ending in a vowel and -y, you just need to add -s to form the plural. For example:

• Boy → Boys
• Day → Days
• Key → Keys

By following these basic rules, you can easily form the plural of regular nouns. However, keep in mind that there are some irregular nouns that do not follow these rules and need to be memorized separately.

Plural Noun Rules for Irregular Nouns

When it comes to forming plurals, most English nouns follow a simple rule of adding -s or -es at the end. However, there are some irregular nouns that don’t follow this rule. In this section, we will explore the rules for forming plurals of irregular nouns.

List of Common Irregular Plural Nouns

Here is a list of some common irregular plural nouns:

Nouns that End in Us

Nouns that end in -us usually form their plurals by changing -us to -i. For example:

Nouns that End in Is

Nouns that end in -is usually form their plurals by changing -is to -es. For example:

Nouns that End in On and Um

Nouns that end in -on or -um usually form their plurals by changing -on or -um to -a. For example:

Plurals that Are the Same as Singulars

Some nouns have the same form for both singular and plural. For example:

Collective Nouns and List

Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things, such as team, family, or committee. They can be singular or plural, depending on the context. For example:

• The team is playing well. (singular)
• The team are all wearing their uniforms. (plural)

List nouns refer to a group of items, such as furniture , luggage, or equipment. They are usually treated as singular. For example:

• The furniture is new.
• The equipment is being repaired.

Words that Look Like Plural Nouns but Are Singular Nouns

Remembering the rules for forming plurals of irregular nouns can be challenging, but with practice, you can master them.

Plural Nouns vs. Possessive Nouns

When it comes to English grammar, it’s important to understand the difference between plural nouns and possessive nouns. Plural nouns refer to more than one person, place, thing, or idea, while possessive nouns show ownership or possession of something.

Plural nouns are formed by adding -s or -es to the end of a singular noun, while possessive nouns are formed by adding an apostrophe and an -s to the end of a singular noun. For example, “book” becomes “books” in its plural form, and “book’s” or “book’s cover” in its possessive form.

It’s important to note that not all plural nouns have possessive forms. For example, the plural of “sheep” is still “sheep” and does not change in its possessive form. Similarly, some nouns that end in -s, such as “species” and “series,” do not add an -s in their possessive form.

Confusion can arise when trying to determine whether to use a plural or possessive noun in a sentence. One common mistake is using an apostrophe to make a noun plural, such as writing “apple’s” instead of “apples.” Remember, the apostrophe is only used to show possession or ownership.

Here are some examples to help clarify the difference between plural and possessive nouns:

• Plural: The dogs chased the ball.
• Possessive: The dog’s ball was chewed up.
• Plural: The children played in the park.
• Possessive: The children’s toys were scattered everywhere.
• Plural: The cars in the parking lot were all red.
• Possessive: The car’s engine was overheating.

By understanding the difference between plural and possessive nouns, you can improve your writing and avoid common grammar mistakes.

Common Mistakes with Plural Nouns

When it comes to pluralizing nouns, there are some common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can cause confusion and make your writing less clear. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Adding an apostrophe to make a noun plural

Adding an apostrophe to a noun does not make it plural. In fact, it does the opposite. An apostrophe is used to indicate possession or contraction, not pluralization. For example, “cat’s” is possessive, while “cats” is plural.

2. Using the wrong plural form

Some nouns have irregular plural forms that don’t follow the usual rules. For example, the plural of “child” is “children,” not “childs.” Similarly, the plural of “goose” is “geese,” not “gooses.”

3. Using a singular verb with a plural noun

When a noun is plural, the verb that goes with it should also be plural. For example, “The dogs bark” is correct, while “The dogs barks” is not.

4. Using a singular pronoun with a plural noun

When a noun is plural, the pronoun that goes with it should also be plural. For example, “The cats ate their food” is correct, while “The cats ate its food” is not.

5. Using an incorrect plural form of a mass noun

Mass nouns, also known as uncountable nouns, refer to things that cannot be counted. For example, “water” is a mass noun. When referring to multiple instances of a mass noun, it is incorrect to add an “s” to the end of the word. Instead, you should use a different word or phrase to indicate plurality. For example, “studies” can be used instead of “researches.”

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct plural form of the word ‘research’?

The correct plural form of ‘research’ is ‘researches’. However, it is important to note that ‘research’ can also be used as a collective noun, meaning it can refer to a group of studies or investigations without needing to add an ‘s’ at the end.

Is it appropriate to use ‘researches’ as a plural form?

Yes, it is appropriate to use ‘researches’ as a plural form of ‘research’. However, it is less common than using ‘research’ as a collective noun.

How do you properly pronounce the word ‘research’?

The word ‘research’ is pronounced as “ree-search”. The stress is on the first syllable.

What is a synonym for the word ‘research’?

There are several synonyms for the word ‘research’, including investigation, study, inquiry, and examination.

The correct plural form of 'research' is 'researches'. However, it is important to note that 'research' can also be used as a collective noun, meaning it can refer to a group of studies or investigations without needing to add an 's' at the end.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is it appropriate to use 'researches' as a plural form?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Yes, it is appropriate to use 'researches' as a plural form of 'research'. However, it is less common than using 'research' as a collective noun or adding an 's' to make it plural.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you properly pronounce the word 'research'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The word 'research' is pronounced as \"ree-search\". The stress is on the first syllable.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can the word 'data' be used as both singular and plural in scientific writing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Yes, the word 'data' can be used as both singular and plural in scientific writing. However, it is more common to use 'data' as a plural noun, meaning that it refers to multiple pieces of information.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is a synonym for the word 'research'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

There are several synonyms for the word 'research', including investigation, study, inquiry, and examination.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When referring to multiple websites, is it correct to use 'websites' as the plural form?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Yes, it is correct to use 'websites' as the plural form when referring to multiple websites. For example, \"I visited several websites to gather information for my research project.\"

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